Senator Rand Paul (R., Ky.) claimed on Friday that the Obama administration is underplaying the risk of an international Ebola epidemic, warning that “temporary” flight restrictions from Ebola-stricken countries may be necessary to curb an outbreak.

A former ophthalmologist, Paul spoke with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer about the U.S. government’s response to the virus’s spread. “The administration has been saying over and over again, ‘Oh, this is only transmitted through direct bodily fluids,’” he said. “They make you think that this is like AIDS, and not very contagious.”

“And then in the next statement, ‘Oh, but if you’re within three feet of someone we call that direct contact,’” Paul continued. “I don’t think many Americans think standing three feet from someone is direct contact.”

“I think we’ve underplayed the risk of this, and that we should be careful,” the senator concluded, adding that he believes “a temporary suspension of flights should be definitely considered.”